Michele Gumeny (Ernst) passed away on November 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Jamaica, Queens to Baldwin and Alice Ernst. She grew up in Succasunna, New Jersey.  After graduating from Roxbury High School, Michele enlisted in the US Army where she proudly served for three years. She graduated from Dover Business College before working at BASF for more than 40 years as a Senior Human Resources Systems Specialist retiring in 2020.

Michele was the biggest fan (and toughest critic) of the Jets and Mets, and she never stopped rooting for them. She was quick with a joke, had a twinkle in her eye, and always had a story ready to share. Michele was always the first to volunteer to help a friend or family in need, always thinking of others before herself. Her happiest places were in Antigua, where she vacationed for more than 25 years, and relaxing on her boat “Twisted Sisters” on Lake Hopatcong, usually with a gin and tonic in hand.

In her younger years she was mischievous, sneaking out of her bedroom window to joy ride with friends, leaving her siblings to cover for her. However, she grew into the matriarch of the family, always looking out for everyone else and bringing people together. She had a way of truly feeling what you felt, celebrating your wins like they were her own, and sitting with you on your hardest days.

The word “Aunt” doesn’t do her justice. It was never just a title to her, it was a role she poured her heart into. With 10 nieces and nephews and 12 great nieces and nephews, she had a special relationship with each one. She was a confidant, a friend, a second mother, and she always took your side. If something important was happening, Michele was there. Birthdays, school plays, recitals, sporting events (cheering loudly), graduations, or just a friendly visit, she showed up; typically with her famous chocolate chip cookies. She was her happiest when her family was all together, talking, laughing, and drinking a little red wine. Michele leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor and love.

Michele is survived by a sister Jeri Sibel and husband Vincent; brother Steve Ernst and wife Debbie; sister Claudette Fox and husband Jeff; and brother Phil Ernst and wife Shirley. Michele is also survived by many dear friends and extended family who were fortunate to have been touched by her life.

A memorial visitation will be held at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna on Friday, December 12^th from 10am – 12pm. Fr.Lem will do a religious service at 10:30 am. There will be Military Honors at 11:45 am. To honor Michele’s life and legacy, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made (via the donation page below) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) or METAvivor to fund critical metastatic breast cancer research.
give.bcrf.org/MicheleGumeny
donate.metavivor.org/MicheleGumeny